The Chronicle of Higher Education has been tracking the growing volume of proposed legislation attempting to undermine equitable participation, diverse perspectives, and inclusive practices across the United States. Since 2023, over 100 anti-DEI bills have been introduced in more than half of the 50 states. A parade of companies that once touted DEI policies and position statements following the murder of George Floyd have abandoned their commitment with seemingly little resistance. In recent weeks, we have seen a more aggressive, authoritative position against diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, fueled by the intent to dismantle progress and discourage potential. This trend has acutely impacted the scholarly communications community. Whether it’s receiving a directive to audit and rewrite existing resources, watching critical research become obstructed by unrelenting threats to funding, or an oppressive mandate requiring all scientific peer-reviewed manuscripts to be taken offline for additional, non-scientific scrutiny —particularly targeting gender-related language – these challenges are increasingly impossible to ignore.
The Society for Scholarly Publishing is proud of its tradition of providing a safe, welcoming, and productive environment that fosters open dialogue and the free expression of ideas. Our strategic plan empowers members to embed DEIA into everything we do, making it inseparable from our identity. Despite what may seem like a whirlwind of anti-DEI rhetoric, SSP will continue to ensure DEIA remains a priority, and that our commitment to our members is unwavering.
Reflections on the Current Moment from SSP’s Board of Directors
The recent months have been deeply unsettling for those of us who work in the global scholarly communications industry. The challenges stemming from a shifting U.S. political landscape, which threaten academic freedom, DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) initiatives, the scholarly record, and federal research funding, are affecting the Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) community in multiple ways: mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially.
A cornerstone of SSP’s strategic plan is to foster DEIA in our community through demonstrated leadership to expand the diversity of professionals working in scholarly communications. During these uncertain and stressful times, the SSP Board of Directors remains firmly dedicated to our core values of community, inclusivity, adaptability, and integrity, and we are unwavering in our commitment to DEIA.
We also remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the well-being of all our volunteer members by providing a safe space where they can connect, collaborate, problem-solve, network, and build friendships. For example, our recently launched SSP Community Interest Group for Mental Health Awareness and Action meets virtually each month and offers tangible resources and potential solutions to alleviate the burdens we face today. SSP members (including anyone who works at an SSP member organization) are welcome to join. In addition, we are having broader discussions in multiple arenas, including several posts on recent events in The Scholarly Kitchen. We invite you to share your comments and stay abreast of the ever-changing policies and initiatives that affect us all.
Since we were established in 1978, SSP has intentionally demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building a diverse and inclusive community. We actively infuse our work with equitable values, including providing leadership as a founding member of the Coalition for Diversity and Inclusion in Scholarly Publishing (C4DISC), an intraorganizational body of trade and professional organizations formed to discuss and address issues of diversity and inclusion.
Our ongoing mission to promote and advance scholarly communication through networking, information dissemination, and facilitation of new developments in the field serves as a reminder that, as a community of compassionate and dedicated professionals, we will navigate these challenges together.
Discussion
7 Thoughts on "Upholding Our Legacy of DEIA"
Thank you for posting this statement.
I am proud to be an SSP member — and so grateful for the clarity and integrity expressed in this statement. In a time of chaos and fear, this is an inspirational reminder of the values that ground this community. Thank you, Randy, Rebecca, and the SSP board!
Thank you for this. It is very easy to fold when threatened by those who hold the purse strings.
Thank you so much Randy, Rebecca, and the SSP board for this unequivocal reiteration of SSP’s continuing support for our values and for being diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible. It’s a strength not a weakness and it’s why SSP is my professional “home”
Thank you for steadfastly upholding these principles—values that should always be celebrated. Sadly, the anticipated backlash against such efforts has become a harsh reality. History will memorialize those who stand firm and those who knowingly engage in ‘community washing.’ Integrity is always worth defending, and I can only hope that affiliate orgs uphold the respect and dignity their people both give and deserve. As the saying goes, the church begins at home.
Thank you for this statement.
I’m glad to see that SSP continues to uphold its values and stand for what is right. In a time when many organizations are retreating from their commitments, it’s encouraging to see SSP remain steadfast in fostering inclusion, equity, and diverse perspectives. We need more institutions willing to take a stand and ensure that progress is not undone. Thank you for leading by example.
